Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

The Infamous Masterson’s , nestled in the bustling area of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my most recent experience at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I experienced behind its entrance was shocking and unacceptable on multiple levels .

The State of the Venue : Unhygienic and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I entered , it was immediately obvious that upkeep was not a priority at Masterson’s . The ground was covered in grime , and a foul smell of old alcohol and uncleaned toilets filled the entire venue . Reeking of a mixture of human waste, decay and a sickly smell. The serving zone , which should be the centerpiece of any pub, was littered with unwashed glassware and litter that looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages . The bathroom was in even a truly awful state— backed up, with a shattered handle and walls stained in what I can only assume was human waste .

It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Based on the experiences shared online and talking to people around , it seems that the quality of upkeep (or lack thereof) at this bar is a long-standing issue . Many guests have reported witnessing insects darting across the serving surface and traces of mice in the adjoining rooms. For a business that serves drinks , these issues are absolutely intolerable and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of anything they serve .

Misconduct by Ownership : Allegations of Inappropriate Actions
However, as dreadful as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at the bar stand out mastersons bar review for all the wrong reasons —was the behavior of its operators . The bar is managed by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .

During my time there, I saw how uncomfortable several women at the bar seemed around Cornwell. As I dug deeper , a fantastic read I was alarmed to find reports against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women alleging that he of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as excessively forward and boundary-crossing , his actions has created an unwelcoming setting for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often resembled that of a lurking threat than a friendly owner .

The Role of the Staff : Contributing or Weak?
Pete’s wife, Gillian McKenzie , is a co-proprietor and frequently seen managing operations . Rather than intervening to mitigate the damage done by her husband’s actions, she seems to endorse his behavior. Her apparent acceptance adds a disturbing layer to the already poisoned setting at Masterson’s .